What’s the Guayaquil Airport Like?

Last Saturday we took a flight back to Canada and came through the Guayaquil Airport on our way. I thought I would share a little bit about what it’s like.

What’s the Guayaquil Airport Like?

The Guayaquil Airport is modern and spacious. There are cafes, restaurants and gift shops, both before and after security. If there are souvenirs that you forgot to pick up for yourself or others, there are lots of shops to browse through while you wait for your flight. I even saw some English magazines and books in the book shop in the departure area; they can be hard to come by in Ecuador.

There is also free WiFi throughout the airport. The WiFi is accessible by key code at cafes in the arrivals area. And there is open access everywhere in the departure area. So you can catch up on some work, or do some socializing with friends and family to make your waiting time fly even faster.

The grounds around the front of the building are really nice. There are tall palm trees, and a fish pond with some really big goldfish. What’s the weather like? Here’s the guide to Guayaquil weather.

Meet the Author

Dena Haines is co-editor of GringosAbroad - Ecuador's largest blog for expats and travelers. She is a travel blogger and content marketer. She is also co-founder of ClickLikeThis(GoPro tutorial blog) and Storyteller Media(content marketing for travel brands). Work with GringosAbroad.

I am planning a trip to Ecuador and am writing to find out what the official policy is at the Guayaquil Airport and at Ecuadorian airports as a whole when it comes to the use of full body scanners. Can one, when traveling to the U.S., “opt out” of a full body scan and instead have a “pat down” or is one forced to enter a body scanner if one wants to board a return flight to the U.S. When traveling from the U.S. this is, by law, an option for the traveler. Also, what kind of body scanners are in use there, ones referred to as “backscatter,” exposing the traveler to added radiation, or the “millimeter” scanners.

I was forced to go into the bodyscan. Absolutely no alternative ( I asked for one). 4th time in Ecuador and that’s the only place where it happened. Never got one in Quito. Plus I had the full baggage check at boarding. Only strangers were checked, especially a French group in which some even got called once seated for a checked bag review. I strongly disrecommand this airport and will never fly again to Guayaquil.

Hi, Do you know if SIM cards are available to buy at Guayaquil airport and if they are expensive? Also if i choose not to buy a SIM card, are there cheap pay phones there where I could make a call an Ecuadorian cell phone? thanks

Don’t buy the Movistar/Tuenti Sim-Card at the Guayaquil airport! It is a small shop with other internet and phone service at one corner. 1.) I bought the bigger package for some GB, however the speed is horrible (Edge) thus within a day I only could use 50mb. 2.) I was charged four times the price of the recharge value, which I only saw later. Unless the Sim-Card has a price of approx. USD 25-35, which I doubt.

We’ve flown both national and international through Guayaquil Airport – and we’ve haven’t been through Quito’s new airport yet. I think the biggest difference is how you want to get to Cuenca. If you are going to hire a van than Guayaquil is your best option but if you want to fly to Cuenca, you’ll have more options for national flights if you go through Quito.

Thanks for the Guayaquil Airport post!!! I haven’t flown or departed from there for 20 years. Will be flying through soon. Loved seeing Dena’s photos and learning about the amenities. Also appreciated Murali owner Dom’s comments; I’ll be spending the night at the Murali all because of your blog. Blessings, Guendalina

Ecuador living: Learn about life in Ecuador from these 32 Ecuador expats. Many expats start in Cuenca and some move on to the coast or to a smaller town. While purchasing real estate is on the mind of many new expats, it's recommended to arrive, decide on where you want to live long-term, and then make an investment.